Touring - Which bike should I get?

i have very little experience with road bikes, but i've ridden bmx for years. i've been highly interested in touring for about a year now, and i've come to a point where i really need some freedom and change. i don't have much money, and i'm going to be scraping just to get the bike and supplies i need. i was browsing my local craigslist and found these:

http://lexington.craigslist.org/bik/339730665.html
http://lexington.craigslist.org/bik/331313351.html

the ocr 2 is the higher model, and it's asking price is cheaper. but the ocr 3 is upgraded. i really didn't find many other options in that area. by coincidence these are bikes i was suggested down at my lbs though.

what should i ask when i call about these bikes, so i can be sure i'm making a worthwhile purchase?

also, what should i know about panniers and supplies i will need. i plan on making this trip last a few weeks, and completely unplanned, so i won't know exactly what conditions i'll be traveling through.

also, do you guys think it would be difficult to find someone to join me on this trip? i would really like a companion, preferrably someone more experienced with touring and biking.

you would have to do some work to get fenders and racks on them. but the people down at peddle power bikes should be able to give you a hand as to what you need to do the conversions... since you are someplace around lexington they also carry the giant brand so you should be able to test ride the ocr1 which may give you an idea of what the other two ride like... here is the link to the website... http://pedalpowerbikes.com

Thanks. I'm actually located in London, about an hour or so below Lexington, but our LBS is very limited. I'm sure they could help me get a rack and such on though. I was checking out prices for racks and panniers last night, and they're much more expensive than I expected.

You seem to know about the area, so are you from there? Do you know of any places I could perhaps find some used bags/racks/etc.?

Get the bike that fits.

Of course I'll get the one that fits, I figured that would go without saying. If both fit, which one sounds like a better deal?

If you are planning to use front panniers, I wouldn't use a bike with a carbon fork. Also the Trek 520 can sometimes be found on a deeeep discount. I got my first one for $650. It would be worth the extra $ if you know you are going to love touring and do it alot.

Do you have a mountain bike or just BMX? Maybe you could buy or borrow a BOB trailer, to limit your initial expenses. I hate BOB's by the way, but it would be a cheaper way to go than purchasing bike + racks + panniers. That's what I did for my first tour. You can also put racks on a mountain bike, Old Man Mountain makes racks that mount with special skewers, so you don't have to have braze-on rack mounting points. Just put slick tires on it and away you go.

I find it pretty hard to find touring companions, I think it would be even harder with no itinerary. Maybe you could try to join someone else's tour. Try adventurecycling.org, they have a companions wanted section.

Lone Peak panniers are quite good and relatively inexpensive. You might also find something at REI-Outlet.com.

Good luck!

:)
Anna

Unfortunately the only bikes I have are BMX. I'm trying to get a bike, rack, rear panniers, and a backpack for as little as possible. I wasn't planning to invest in front panniers yet. I like to travel very light. I'll definitely check out those websites and the Trek 520 though, thanks for the input.

OK, this is a bit out of left field, but if you are really that strapped for cash, here are some other alternatives:

- A Jamis hybrid bike
I'm sure you can find a decent Jamis hybrid for $350 - $400, especially if you get one of last years' models. The Citizen 1.0 is $335 list, has a suspension fork, wide tires (700 x 38c), low gearing (great for lugging stuff up the hills), cantilevered brakes.

- Downtube folding bike
Folding bikes can be handy for tours, as you can easily pack it up and put it on a bus or train if need be. The Downtube brand has a lot of no-name parts, but people seem to like them, have used 'em on tours, and they're made of all standard so it should be easy to upgrade and repair. They also have at least one model with an internal hub; IH's are low maintenance and super-rugged, so that may be a good choice. Several models are in the $300 - $400 range and include racks and bar-ends. You'll have to order it via Teh Intarweb though (www.downtube.com)

Neither of these will be speed demons, but so what? :D As long as you can do 30-50 miles a day in a fair amount of comfort, you're a free man.

I'd also skip on using a backpack, just pile everything you can on the bike. Invest the money in panniers instead.

Thanks. I'm actually located in London, about an hour or so below Lexington, but our LBS is very limited. I'm sure they could help me get a rack and such on though. I was checking out prices for racks and panniers last night, and they're much more expensive than I expected.

You seem to know about the area, so are you from there? Do you know of any places I could perhaps find some used bags/racks/etc.?

no i am in louisville.. the reason i know about peddle planet is because they have a t2000 that i want to test ride or did haven't gotten over there yet... as for used equipment i think i would start looking on line at like ebay.. they do have some good prices but i think i would take a quick trip up 75 to lexington and have a look at the ocr1 i am not sure the 2 or 3 will take fenders or a rack... it would be worth the 5 bucks or so in gas to have a look i know the store is off man a war..then a left on the road that shows in the address....